Are you thinking of going to Washington D.C. and you are wondering where you should stay? Are you planning your trip and you are unsure which neighbourhoods are the safest ones to stay in? Then, this article is just for you, particularly, if this is your first time as a tourist.
As you probably know, Washington, District of Columbia, is the capital and political center of the United States of America.
It is one of the most emblematic cities in the country, counting on an excellent touristic center, with infinite number of fascinating things to discover.
It is, not only, home for the White House and other important governmental and political landmarks, but also, it hosts a unique concentration of museums, historic monuments, dining culture and nightlife.
A trip to the DC goes beyond visiting the political buildings, which is still a fine activity, but also, to visit first world museums, first-class art/music performances, restaurant culture and pay tribute to the history of the country.
There is such a lively and diverse mix of people in Washington, DC, where you can find a cultural contrast, between, the sophisticated from congressmen, politicians and office professionals in general, to students and hipsters, who keep the city with a vibrant atmosphere.
Washington D.C never sleeps and there is always something going on in the city. From the National Mall to the highly regarded Smithsonian Museums, where most tourist gather when visiting the district.
There are a couple of things to be aware of before choosing the right neighbourhoods in the DC to stay in, as not all the zones are safe to hang around. Amongst the ones that are safe to tour around, there is a lot happening at all times. They are rich in history and attractions and people alike mingle and keep the city vibing!
Although, the numbers have dropped down considerably, still high crime rates govern Washington, DC. In fact, it was once named the “murder capital” of the US. This is far from reality, though. Virtually, just like any other big metropolitan city, property theft, pickpocketing, and occasional violent crimes, still, take place, particularly, in the off limits neighbourhoods. Usually, these are targeted gang and drug related attacks on rival bands, with no intention to harm foreigners or tourists.
Have a look at “What neighbourhoods to avoid in Washington DC” for more details on which areas to be extra careful about and remember that the key is to always be vigilant, knowing the areas to be avoided, and which communities are the safest.
Even, within the safe communities to stay in Washington, DC, there is a wide range of zones catered to the ones looking for a high end accommodation type of regimen or to those after a plan on a budget, usually, around the college campus.
Keep on reading this post to take a look at the safest and most popular neighbourhoods in the city. This, will help you out in planning your trip to the DC!
What are the safest areas in Washington, DC?
1. Downtown
Downtown Washington, D.C. is a safe quarter to stay in when visiting the district as a tourist, due to its closure to the major attractions that the city has to offer. There is a big contrast between the upscale, posh, trendy and powerful.
Downtown is loaded with upscale hotels and bars, where the most powerful and wealthy people will go to. If you hang around those areas, it will be no surprise to come across celebrities, famous politicians and sports people.
This area is also the top chosen one, when it comes to touring the city as a visitor, due to all the major attractions and cultural institutions, that the city is home to, such as, Smithsonian American Art Museum, the National Geographic Museum, the National Gallery of Art, the Capitol, the White House, amongst many other.
Downtown, DC, does have a pretty broad range of prices and a wide array of accomodations to host enough everyday travellers.
One of the main reasons why Downtown area is one of the safes to stay in, is because many residents do have their homes rented for touristic purposes, to students, young professionals, etc. This is because there are several bars, clubs, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks where most people hanging around those are, usually, quite open and liberal.
Hotels and vacation home-stays can be pricier than other areas, but paying a little extra could be worth it, when it comes to explore the city and the major points of interest.
Also, whilst, Downtown is generally quite safe, there are still some pockets, where crimes still occur, so spending a bit more in a better located accomodation within walking distance to the most of the major attractions, is ideal.
Downtown, DC is a great base for those visitors and tourists travelling without a car, as all the landmarks are mostly walking distance and the area is packed with coffee shops, restaurants, bars, lively areas and free-of-charge monuments and museums.
Not having a car when staying in Downtown, DC is not a problem, as it is a neighbourhood that is well-connected, having a very reliable and frequent public transport, operated by Metro Center Station.
As mentioned above, due to its optimal central location, the area is mostly filled with mid to high end accomodation regimes, but also, it is possible to find hostels and low scale accomodations for those travellers looking at a more affordable plan. Even families can rent out fully equipped apartments within a cheaper scope than hotels.
2. Chinatown
Chinatown district in Washington, DC is quite an eclectic and unique place. It is a great choice to stay in when visiting this marvellous city. Not only, it is a great place for culture-avid tourists, but also, for foodies, shop addicts and lover of the out of the norm things.
There are several accommodation types, with reasonable rates, where there are restaurants everywhere and where Asian cuisine governs the place. It is quite a vibrant area, very popular and always busy, as the metro station links Chinatown with the main parts of Washington, DC.
Most of the times, foreigners will not encounter any safety issues, although, just like everywhere, there are also some risks.
Whilst, Chinatown is pretty safe and lively during the day time until about mid night, peaking at 8 pm (when it gets the busiest), after midnight is absolutely deserted. Thus, it can be pretty problematic, if are to hang out at those hours or strolling by yourself in this community.
Even during the day time you will notice some level of harassment, in the form of requests, begging and even offensive remarks from homeless and minor criminals that, normally, get shelter near by this area.
Lastly, and specifically, when there are basketball games at night and sport event in general, big groups of teenagers and youngsters, usually, gather around the Gallery Place-Chinatown Station. When this happens, the area turns into a loud and problematic quarter. However, if you avoid those nights, then the area is actually, an awesome place to use as a base when touring in the DC.
3. Foggy Bottom
Foggy Bottom is the hipster area of the city, it is home to the most colourful and photogenic places in Washington, DC.
This eclectic place’s name comes from the days where the coal factory located in this area used to expel foul fumes, making the area all smoky and foggy. In fact, originally, it was named Funkstown. But nothing like this nowadays. It is now a mix of new office buildings and a hipster bar, restaurants areas, where people have a great time and is safe to stay.
This neighbourhood is also home to the Supreme Court building and US Capitol. Foggy Bottom area is very close to downtown, DC located waterfront and receiving thousands of visitors every year coming from all over the world. Foggy Bottom is a safe neighbourhood with low crime rates. This used to be different about 10 years ago, when this area was declared a “high crime” area.
As a tourist, Foggy Bottom is a great zone to stay in, well provided with hotel accommodations and rental places, really trouble free most of the times, packed with students, local cafes and bars.
Not only, this area is so close to Downtown, but also, the area itself is really rich in entertainment in the form of concerts, shows, as well as, top scale restaurants and bars.
When it comes to price, most of the hotels are mid range price, as it is a convenient area, close to the major attractions and also close to public transportation, for those who don’t want to bother getting a car.
Lastly, the area is patrolled frequently, making it quite safe to walk, even, at night time. However, if you are looking for a quiet place, try not to get your accommodation near the Uni, as it can get very loud and students party often.
4. Penn Quarter
Penn Quarter is one of the most popular and safe areas around Washington, DC. As a visitors, this area is an excellent choice to stay in. This neighbourhood has become an optimal place for tourists and locals alike, drawn by its art and entertainment options.
Those include National Portrait Gallery and American Art Museum, Gallery Place or its Shakespeare and Warner Theatres for culture lovers. This zone is also loaded with shops, fine and sophisticated restaurants, bars and other dining options.
Although, there are the occasional street fights when there are games around the Penn Quarter/Chinatown, the area is pretty safe, being crowded pretty much all the time through the day and where people can just go everywhere by foot without major hiccups.
It also conforms an excellent place to home base, while on DC, because it is a really conveniently located area where the train lines and other forms pf public transport are of easy access.
5. Dupont Circle
This is a very popular neighbourhood, core of a vibrant cultural life in the DC. It is hallmarked by the many art galleries, upscale shops, cafes, bars and much more that this city offers. It is famous for its traffic circle, hence its name. This Circle, once called the Pacific Circle represents a fountain that dates back to 1921. This neighbourhood is a wealthy and well off zone, where young and successful people mingle. There is also a big LGBT community growing in the area favouring the openness of this city.
This community sits around the central area, where the main roads meet, making it an excellent option for a vacation stay, as it is, well communicated by public transport, it is the heart of the nightlife panorama and it is one of the safest neighbourhoods in Washington, DC.
Most of the hotels are mid range price and the area is not super broad, for which, accomodation options might not be, as extensive as, in other areas, however, if planned with time, this area is just wonderful to stay in. It is a super safe zone, violent crimes are a rare tale, even muggings and bag snatching are not common.
Must be noted that at night time there are quite a few homeless people walking around the circle that might become a bit aggressive if too intoxicated. Usually, this is not a problem, but be ready to be chased for money and prompted a couple of times.
6. Capitol Hill
This area is right where all the political buildings are and it is a lively and vibrant neighbourhood, ideal for tourists and families.
This area is quite popular amongst travellers because it is right where all the major attractions are and it is parallel to downtown, DC. It can be easily walked by foot without the need of having a car.
It is quite pleasant to walk by being surrounded by green and leafy parks, beautiful cafes where coffee can be mind-blowing, as well as, many hipster bars, pubs and oyster houses.
Overall, it is a safe area, where minor crimes still are present but where gunpoint violent crimes are not the norm. It is still advised to walk in groups at night rather than alone, as muggings still happen at nights.
There is quite an impressive architecture all around the Capitol Hill neighbourhood, where you can spend all day around incredible shops, awesome places for foodies and all the key sightseeing places that there are to be in the district.
7. Logan Circle
In the 2000s this area was actually, a non desirable one, and it was the open market for drugs and prostitution. However, nowadays, it is the perfect place for touristic home base, due to its closure to downtown, DC, only a 5 minutes drive.
There is a wide range of pubs, trendy shops and architectural beauty around this zone. It is a very safe area these days where there is no violent crimes and it is mostly, theft free when walking at night. However, there is some robbery going on in the weekends where youngsters gather and party.
8. Other safe neighbourhoods are: Georgetown, Adams Morgan and Woodley Park.
Conclusion
There you go! now you know the safest neighbourhoods to stay in when planning a trip to the DC! Washington D.C is a great and safe city for tourists and visitors to explore. Knowing the best and safest neighbourhoods to stay in is crucial to enjoy the trip to the fullest and minimising risks of being subject of crimes and assaults. Just as in any other big city, muggings, small crimes and violent assaults can happen, so it is recommended to always use your common sense.
The best areas to choose as home base are Downtown DC, Georgetown, Capitol Hill, Chinatown, Penn Quarter, Foggy Bottom, Dupont Circle, Logan Circle, Adams Morgan, and Woodley Park.
These areas are optimal to stay in without the need of renting a car as all these zones are quite close to the central areas, where the major interesting attractions are, either by foot or by a short bike ride. Even metro lines are well linked and communicated to downtown.
Most of the places are mid to high end prices, although, it is possible to find hostels or rental at a much more budget plans.
They are, usually, surrounded by green parks, pubs, fun bars, restaurants for those who indulge the food panorama during the vacation time.